Well, I'm not going to put a gaping hole in my new enclosure!!

Been thinking about this quite a bit, and have decided not to mount the 250 watt Parts Express amp in the back of my new enclosure. I know, I know, that's what it was built for, but I just can't force myself to open/cut the cabinet up.

So I have a couple options left. Still purchase the Parts Express 250 watt plate amp and piggy back it (don't really want to do this), or (oh no, here he goes again!!), purchase a high quality receiver, integrated amp, main amp somewhere and run the sub that way. What do you think?

Couple questions: Can I find an amplifer that is at least as good (and as powerful) as the Parts Express amp for the same money? Would be looking for an older amp, possible sources would be Ebay (what don't they sell there??!!), audiogon, etc.

Also, what exactly should I be looking for? Something that is bridgeable (don't really understand what that all means)? Just looking for a good, high powered, stand alone amplifer to power my Dayton 12"DVC.

Cut the hole already! I know how you feel though. I was looking at my masterpiece and was horrified that I'd be cutting a big ole hole in it but it really looks cool after mounting it up. Just do it. You'll like it.
Disclaimer: It isn't my fault if you mess up the hole my recommendation is to cut a hole the correct size in the right spot. (not trying to jinx ya)
Darren

If (big if here) I had any brains, this is what should be done:
1. Don't cut hole in enclosure.
2. Use massive Yamaha M-80 amp (50 lbs worth of amp) rated at a true 250 watts per channel into 8 ohms which is currently on hand to drive the sub.
3. Find a way to bridge the sub (twist all and any wires together and feed into subwoofer....should be good for "bridging" about 1000 watts.
4. Turn power on and watch walls/windows of house explode.
Steve
I forget who said it a day or so ago, but I truely am making this more complicated than what it needs to be. Here's how things should (and probably will happen).
1. Purchase plate amp.
2. Cut hole.
3. Install amp.
4. Enjoy.

Get the plate amp and build an external box for it. I did mine out of scrap MDF in about 1 hour. Put binding posts on the sub cabinet and run from the external plate amp to the sub. The box is easy enough to hide, and you don't have to mar your enclosure. This is what I did for my sonosub. Check out Pat's pages, one of them has a link to his amp box he made for the plate amp. Mine is similar but far less professional.

Speaker box building put on hold!!!!! Wife said, you need to get the living room painted before messing around with anymore of your toys.....sniff, sniff. Just got the ceiling done. Bought expensive paint in hopes that is wouldn't need two coats, but even I can see that it will need another coat . Normally I try to skimp on stuff like this , but I know she's gonna say, "Steve, you need to put another coat on the ceiling". Seems like the harder I try to get out of work, the harder it is to avoid it.
Anyway, the only thing I have done so far is cut all my pieces out and test fit.....they fit great!! Will take some pics as I progress and post them. I'm sure you guys need a good laugh!!!
Thanks again for all the help.
Steve

You can check out this link for my whack-it-together-in-an-evening-from-scrap-MDF stand-alone plate amp box. It doesn't look too bad, and it's going to live behind my TV, anyway.
Just click on the Photos link.
http:\home.att.net~pjessee.or
Peter